Principal Debra Badua, formerly of Koloa Elementary School, and acting principal of Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School Pohaku Nishimitsu made a switch of schools this week with Badua filling the principal position at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle and Nishimitsu taking over as
Principal Debra Badua, formerly of Koloa Elementary School, and acting principal of Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School Pohaku Nishimitsu made a switch of schools this week with Badua filling the principal position at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle and Nishimitsu taking over as acting principal at Koloa.
The principal position at Chiefess Kamakahelei was vacated when Cynthia Matsuoka retired earlier this year.
Badua was the vice principal for the middle school two years ago. This week was her first week back.
“It was excellent,” she said.
As far as the timeliness of the principal shuffle goes, she realizes some parents or members of the community may be concerned because the school year is three quarters of the way through, but is confident that this was a good decision.
“I think the reasoning for making the switch (at this time) was to allow the new principal to get a feel for the school and get settled in,” Badua said.
Nishimitsu who made the move from middle school to elementary said Badua made it easy for him to get settled.
“It was a smooth transition,” said Nishimitsu. “She had everything in place, the teachers knew what they were doing and the organization (of the school year) has been set up for the student’s needs.” Prior to the switch, Nishimitsu had been with Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School since it opened in 2000.
“I was willing to make the move and would like to kind of test the waters of what will happen in the future,” he said.
The official announcement of permanent positions will be made later this year.
• Lanaly Cabalo, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 237) or lcabalo@kauaipubco.com.
